Laura Alexandra (Marley) Morris, beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, foster mother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was 63.

Born on March 16, 1963, to Marianne "Ann" (Fitzgerald) Marley and Frederick Marley, Laura was a lifelong Newporter and the sixth of seven children. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Christopher Marley.

She is survived by her devoted husband, David Morris; her sons, Mark Muncy and his wife, Jessica (Perron) Muncy, and Tristan Morris; her siblings Chuck Marley (Cheryl Lee), Stephen Marley, Marianne (Richard) Weibust, Michelle (Kenneth) Loffredo, and Andrew Marley (Carson Burrington); along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, foster children, and all those whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

Known as "Lau" to family and friends and "Mimi" to generations of foster children, Laura had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed, understood, and loved. She was known for her quick wit, thoughtful advice, unwavering loyalty, and compassionate heart. She listened without judgment, celebrated the successes of others as if they were her own, and always found time for someone in need.

Laura worked for many years as a beautician and in Newport's restaurant community, forming friendships that lasted a lifetime. Yet her greatest work was found in service to others. After her son Mark left for college, she opened her home to Rhode Island's foster care system and, over the years, cared for more than 150 children, many of them infants.

To those children, she became much more than a foster parent. She became "Mimi."

Her home was a place of safety, laughter, patience, and belonging. She believed children needed love, stability, and someone who believed in them. Children arrived as strangers and left as family. No matter how full her house became, Laura always seemed to find room for one more child, one more friend, and one more person in need.

Laura also cherished her role as an aunt. She adored her nieces and nephews and delighted in watching their families grow. Many remember her singing songs, teaching nursery rhymes, sharing laughs, and filling their childhoods with love and encouragement.

In 2013, Laura married David Morris, her partner in life and in helping others. Together they built a home centered on compassion, family, and service, eventually adopting Tristan, one of the many children whose life was forever changed by Laura's love.

Among Laura's proudest accomplishments were the family she built, the children she cared for, and watching her son Mark return home to Newport after a distinguished career in the United States Navy.

Despite facing significant health challenges, including more than eight years on dialysis, Laura met every obstacle with strength, resilience, and grace. On July 11, 2021, she received the gift of a kidney transplant through the selfless organ donation of a stranger named Cheryl. That gift provided nearly five treasured additional years with her family, time she never took for granted.

Whether soaking up the sun at Gooseberry Beach surrounded by family and friends, sharing stories around a table, or welcoming another child into her home, Laura found her greatest joy in caring for others.

Following a sudden illness, Laura passed peacefully with her loved ones at her side. In her final act of generosity, she became an organ and tissue donor, continuing the chain of life so that the gift once given to her could now be passed on to another family.

Her legacy lives on in the children who called her Mimi, the family she cherished, the friends she supported, and the lives that will be touched by her final gift. She was loved beyond measure and will be missed beyond words.

A celebration of Laura's life will be held with family and friends in July.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those wishing to honor Laura's memory to consider becoming a living kidney donor #ShareYourSpare (https://www.rsnhope.org/shareyourspare/) or making a donation to the Hartford Hospital Transplant Program (https://giving.hartfordhospital.org/donate/) in her memory.